What is a Sangha? Spiritual companions on the inner path

9 min reading time | published on: 26.10.2024

As humans, we are social beings by nature and embedded in communities. Starting with our family of origin, in social relationships in our education system as well as in social relationships. As like-minded people, we form groups that share our inner values and goals. This relates to many areas of daily life as well as to deeper motivations and spiritual needs. This is where we join forces to realize inner goals and joint projects and bring them to life. As individuals, we feel safer, connected and a sense of belonging in the community.

Regardless of the geographical location of our birth, our social background and the individual characteristics of our nature, in the development of human history it has been necessary for survival to join together in communities. The complementarity of young and old, different roles and abilities were reliable foundations for food, housing and livelihood.

In earlier times, these were the tribe, the clan, the village community, the extended family.

Emergence of spiritual communities in the tradition of monasteries

Monasteries were an early form of community life dedicated to religious purposes. The European history and function of monastic life goes back a long way and has continued to transform into the second millennium.

Monasteries offered protection, education and healing. It was here that book printing, pharmacies and effective forms of agriculture developed. Internally, they were borne by the spirit of contemplation and an orientation towards mostly Christian practice. The community of believers put service in the spirit of Christ before all their own personal needs.

Monasteries were traditionally closed spiritual communities, behind whose gates the outside world ended. These communities knew how to be self-sufficient. In the spirit of “ora et labora” (Latin: pray and work), a consecrated, communal life with daily retreats and fixed rules was possible, even if entry and lifelong membership were not always voluntary or exclusively dedicated to spiritual pursuits.

Traditionally, monasteries were divided into communities of monks and nuns.
“Being a brother or sister to one another” expressed the attitude of dedicating oneself to a different way of life and serving higher motives together as companions.

If we look for monastic communities today, we find a variety of orientations and opportunities to follow the inner call for retreat and contemplation. Monasteries are hardly closed communities anymore. The process of transformation has opened the gates and offers entry: for short or long stays of time-out and self-awareness or – more long-term – with connection to existing spiritual communities. Modern monasteries are largely non-denominational and are also oriented towards traditional Far Eastern wisdom teachings. They are contemporary places of education, healing centers and, at the same time, traditionally sacred places.

Longing for monastic places and communities

Our times have changed a lot in the wake of digital worlds and virtual spaces: People are demonstrably coming together less and less in contexts that provide a sense of community. The vast majority focus on external things and often succumb to the promises of virtual worlds. The world of social media appears to be beautiful and (almost) perfect.

Deep down, however, many people feel an emptiness and develop a longing to turn more towards the inner essence of themselves and a communal cohesion. The traditional community of believers is changing into a community of seekers – in search of their true self and an individual purpose. What is the common thread in my life? Who am I really?

While the outer monasteries are becoming interdenominational and open to the world, the longing for an “inner monastery” and the company of companions is growing in parallel. On the pilgrimage routes of Europe, many who need a break experience what it means to literally set out on a journey: on their own and in the community of a shared path. To yourself, to God.

Companions: accompanying each other on life’s journey

A Buddhist instruction is: look out for spiritual companions.

In spiritual communities that serve the “inner path”, individuals are aware that they are on a path, in a process of growing and maturing – both for themselves and as part of a group of companions. Spiritual exchange, shared learning and self-exploration are essential elements and enable deepening insights.

Many people on the inner path are connected by similar questions and motives: “Who am I really, what is my true nature? “What am I suffering from and how can I develop further? What does the voice of my heart speak?

Spiritual companions support each other in this exploration and contribute to the community with the diversity of their potential. As compassionate companions, companions can support each other in looking at their own structures, recognizing the entanglements of the ego-mind and maturing as a result. In all activities of daily life as well as in higher dimensions of an inner path: as forms of mindfulness and insight.

In the Buddhist tradition, this form of community is called Sangha – as one of the three pillars of the Inner Path, alongside Dharma (the teaching) and Buddha (the teacher).

What is a Sangha?

The term “Sangha” comes from Sanskrit and means “community of those who know”.

Here, people come together in the tradition of a spiritual teaching to support each other in self-exploration, to study and to walk a path of knowledge together. Being a mirror for each other is a great challenge!

In contrast to our normal understanding of friendships, in which we generally reinforce each other positively and let each other “be who we are”, there is great potential in this. We may see shadow aspects, but avoid openly expressing the truth of a moment in favor of harmony and the desire to be loved.

In a sangha, this is precisely the common thread that leads into the depths: the willingness to encounter the truth in the search for myself. Spiritual companions trust each other in a way of facing openness, which is a precious gift. Truth and love touch our deepest longing for self-knowledge, and we can walk this path together.

In community AND alone, that is a symbolic paradoxical statement: the koan of being alone among companions. Nothing is excluded in this. We walk an inner path that we can only walk alone, and at the same time walk it in the awareness of community and being connected. This attitude supports us on a deeper level to become inwardly truthful. The sangha forms a spiritual and human fabric that works from the connecting power of our feminine soul. In it we are supported and connected with each other.

Sangha – OM-Foundation Inner Science